This document discusses research abstracts, providing information on what a research abstract is, why it is used, when it should be written, and how it should be structured. It explains that a research abstract gives readers a brief summary of the research background, aims, methods, results and conclusions in about 150-300 words. It helps readers decide whether they need to read the full research paper or thesis. While included early in a research report, the abstract is generally written after completing the research so the researcher can fully summarize the process, outcomes and implications. The document then provides an example of an abstract summarizing a study on perceptions of reflection in a teacher education program.